Story perspectives

Texas Diesel Hits Record $5.97 as Trump Approval Drops

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 11:57 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Diesel prices hit record highs in September 2026, with Texas averaging $5.97 per gallon.
Civiqs poll shows President Donald Trump’s approval in $6.50 diesel states fell below a 25% rating on September 21.
Data for Progress survey finds 61% of voters blame Republicans for prices and 52% trust Democrats to lower costs.
Mizuho strategist Bob Yawger says Middle East refinery damage and drone attacks on Russian facilities drive the diesel surge.

History

Historical Context

In October 1973 OAPEC, led by Saudi Arabia, imposed an oil embargo on the United States and other Israel supporters during the Yom Kippur War. The embargo drove world oil prices up nearly 300%, from $3 to about $12 per barrel, and spiked U.S. gasoline by 43% in 1974. Today’s diesel surge echoes that same geopolitical supply shock.

1 of 2

Story summary

Diesel prices hit record highs in September 2026, with Texas averaging $5.97 per gallon.
Civiqs poll shows President Donald Trump’s approval in $6.50 diesel states fell below a 25% rating on September 21.
Data for Progress survey finds 61% of voters blame Republicans for prices and 52% trust Democrats to lower costs.
Mizuho strategist Bob Yawger says Middle East refinery damage and drone attacks on Russian facilities drive the diesel surge.

1 / 2